When it comes to silicone bracelets, the granddaddy of them all is the yellow debossed wristband. The basic silicone bracelet, debossed with the single word – not two – Livestrong, is a classic symbol of determination, triumph and strength around the world.

How a silicone bracelet could become a worldwide icon is a question answered by the twin triumphs of one man – professional bicycle racer Lance Armstrong. The Livestrong silicone bracelet represents both Armstrong’s seven wins of the Tour de France and more importantly, his victory over cancer.

Armstrong was 25 years old when he was diagnosed in 1996 with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Despite an initially poor prognosis, Armstrong was in training again for the Tour de France by 1998, his cancer in remission.

The Tour de France is the world’s most prestigious bicycle race, covering a distance of more than 2,000 miles over three weeks. In 1999, Armstrong won the race for the first time. He went on to win the Tour de France six more times, setting a world record for the accomplishment.

In 2004, Armstrong and Nike partnered to release the yellow Livestrong silicone bracelet. The yellow color represents the color of the jersey traditionally worn by the race leader during the Tour de France.

The Livestrong bands are a debossed wristband, in which the message is imprinted into the surface of the silicone bracelet. With no added color or other ornamentation, the silicone bracelet is a simple, clean classic design that doesn’t have to shout to make a point.

The wristbands were an immediate success, first worn by Armstrong’s fellow racers, then by other athletes. The debossed silicone bracelets became a worldwide sensation. Selling for just $1 each, the yellow silicone bracelets have since raised millions of dollars for cancer research.

Observing the ongoing success of the yellow silicone bracelet, many other organizations offered their own silicone bracelets to raise awareness and/or funds, in various colors. Each color initially represented a specific cause, but with the proliferation of wristbands and causes they support, the vast majority of silicone bracelet colors now represent more than one cause.

In fact, the only reliable way to tell what exactly a silicone bracelet stands for today is to ask the person wearing it. This gives the wearer a chance to explain the meaning of the silicone bracelet and the cause it represents. It’s a great way to foster understanding and possibly prompt more people to join the cause.

Other silicone bracelet styles are becoming more popular. The embossed wristband for example, raises the lettering above the band, making the message stand out. Silk screened wristbands print the desired message directly onto the flat surface of the silicone bracelet. This is an excellent way to precisely reproduce a corporate logo or specific message.

Even debossed bands themselves have gone a bit upscale, with the addition of brightly colored debossed painted silicone bracelets. These fill the lettering of the debossed band with color to produce a vivid, hard to miss message.

Still, the basic debossed silicone bracelet maintains its place as the leader of the pack. Yes, it’s the most economical wristband style, but it also maintains a purity and subtlety to its message that other styles lack. www.silver-jewellery-online.co.uk The debossed wristband is likely to be with us as a promotional and awareness raising device for a long time to come.